Legendary full-back Dani Alves on Wednesday announced his departure from Barcelona, ending his second stint with the Blaugrana after signing for the club in November last year.

Taking to Instagram, the 39-year-old Brazilian penned an emotional farewell message to Barcelona and its fans, writing, “Now the time has come for our farewell. It was 8+ years dedicated to this club, to those colors… but like everything in life, the years go by, the paths deviate and the stories are written for sometime in different places – and so it was.”

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“They tried to send me away but they couldn’t do it, for you cannot imagine, or can you, how resilient I am. Many years passed until football and life, which, as always, are very grateful to those who respect them, decided to give me the opportunity to come back here so I can say goodbye. But not a goodbye without first thanking everyone behind the spotlight, everyone who makes our thing perfect, to all of them; THANK YOU,” continued Alves, whose contract with Barcelona was not extended.

“I would also like to thank all the staff for the opportunity they gave me to return to this club and be able to wear again that wonderful shirt, you don’t know how happy I am…. I hope you don’t miss my madness and my daily happiness,” the Brazilian went on to say.

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“I hope also those who stay change the history of that beautiful club, I wish it from the bottom of my heart. There were 23 titles achieved: 2 triplets, 1 sixteen and a big golden book written! A very beautiful cycle closes and a more challenging cycle opens. May the world never forget: A LION EVEN AT 39 YEARS OLD IS STILL A GOOD CRAZY LEONNNN. Forever LONG LIVE BARÇA!,” Alves concluded.

While the Brazilian’s second stint and Barcelona did not end with silverware, Alves spent a good chunk of his career, from 2008-2016 with the Blaugrana, making 391 appearances for the club during his first spell.

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During that spell, Alves helped Barcelona to six La Liga titles, three Champions League crowns, and four Copa del Rey trophies, something that will see the Brazilian remembered as a club legend.

At the time of writing this, Alves’ next destination was not known, but the Brazilian is not expected to retire, and could potentially ply his trade for numerous willing clubs.